MOT performance
1997 Mazda MX-5: MOT pass rate and common failures
Of 3,803 MOT tests on 1997-registered Mazda MX-5s in 2023–2024 (on average 25 years old at test, median 95,077 miles), 66.5% passed first time, 7.6 points lower than the Mazda MX-5 overall. Allowing for age, mileage and fuel, 1997 Mazda MX-5s failed 10% more often than comparable cars.
3,803 MOT tests on 2,125 vehicles, 2023–2024 · Source: DVSA (Open Government Licence) · Analysis: 73 Auto
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| Figure | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 66.5% | ±1.5 pts (95%), n = 3,803 |
| All Mazda MX-5s | 74.1% | n = 188,374 |
| Failures vs similar cars | 1.10× | same age, mileage and fuel = 1.00 |
| Tests with a dangerous defect | 5.9% | n = 3,803 |
| Average age at test | 25 years | n = 3,803 |
Where 1997 Mazda MX-5s fail
| Area | Tests failed on it | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights, reflectors and electrical | 13.6% | -1% |
| Brakes | 12.6% | +28% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 10.6% | +44% |
| Suspension | 10.0% | +8% |
| Body, chassis and structure | 5.7% | -20% |
| Driver's view of the road | 5.0% | -17% |
| Seat belts and airbags | 4.4% | +87% |
| Tyres | 2.7% | -6% |
| Steering | 1.9% | -30% |
| Registration plates and VIN | 1.0% | +52% |
| Road wheels | 0.2% | -28% |
Most common failure items
| Item | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits | Noise, emissions and leaks | 5.47% |
| Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements | Brakes | 4.47% |
| Prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced | Seat belts and airbags | 3.84% |
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | Suspension | 3.05% |
| Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side | Brakes | 2.68% |
Check a specific 1997 Mazda MX-5
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About this data. These are MOT test results, not a measure of mechanical reliability: a car's MOT outcome reflects its condition on the day, which depends on how it has been maintained and driven as well as how it was built. Figures cover class 4 vehicles (cars and light vans), normal tests only (retests excluded), outcomes pass, fail and pass after rectification at the station; vehicles at least 2.5 years old at test. Tests from 2023-01-01 to 2024-12-30. “Compared with similar cars” means compared with the national rate for cars of the same age, mileage band and fuel. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Makes and models are matched to 73 Auto's vehicle catalogue; tests that can't be matched are left out rather than guessed. See how the MOT figures are produced.